Summary
During the pre-screening of the first two episodes of theBleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 anime, Studio Pierrot unveiled a new short teaser and a gorgeous key visual designed by Masashi Kudo for the 20th anniversary of the original anime. It had been previously announced that there’s something in the works for the occasion,which has fans speculating. The originalBleachanime is an example of a very lackluster adaptation of an iconic manga, just like it was for its two other Big 3 siblings,One PieceandNaruto.
With the current era of anime, the idea of a Bleach remake seems all the more possible. Could Studio Pierrot be working on a remake of the original series? Or is the project simply another merch and exhibition event like it has happened in the past?
The Current Era of Anime Looks Familiar
Tons of Remakes, Tons of Sequels
In recent years, the anime industry has taken an interesting turn. Several remakes of classic anime have been produced to varying degrees of success. Most of these are remakes of 80s or 90s-era classics. David Production, the studio behindJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, produced theCaptain Tsubasaand theUrusei Yatsuraremakes.
Two beloved 80s anime. These two works didn’t achieve mainstream success, but fans well received them. Liden Films produced the remake ofRurouni Kenshin, one of themost popular classic Shōnen series, and while the work itself was very well-made, its reception was very mixed, due to the controversy surrounding author Nobuhiro Watsuki, which has sadly tainted the perception of the series. There’s a remake of the Rumiko Takahashi classic,Ranma 1/2on the way. As well as the anticipatedOne Pieceremake produced by WIT Studio.
The anime industry has begun to indulge in the remake trend seen in Hollywood and the gaming industry. Several remakes of classic anime from several decades ago. Although the One Piece remake is slightly controversial,as the series is still far from over, making a remake unnecessary. There are also legacy sequels to beloved shows likeBlack Butler, Spice and Wolf, Devil’s a Part-Timer,and most famously, Bleach.
Bleach 20th Anniversary Anime Project
Remake or Movie? Or Just A Special Event?
Studio Pierrot and author Tite Kubo have spoken about a special project for the 20th anniversary of the original anime for some time now. Which has made fans speculate on what it could be. Granted, there’s a ton of wishful thinking from fans. The original anime was beloved by many, but almost universally panned by hardcore manga readers for its lackluster adaptation. Questionable animation, copious amounts of filler, and most importantly severe mischaracterization ofimportant characters like Orihime Inoue. Fans desperately want a remake that does justice to the classic manga.
However, the official accounts have publicly stated that this is an “anime” project, which has raised a few eyebrows. This has made fans believe that the project won’t be another merch launch or art exhibition as it has been for many other anniversary projects of beloved series. Fans believe this will surely be either a brand-new movie or a full-on remake of the series. A few years ago, a Bleach remake would be unthinkable, considering it is barely 20 years old. But seeing how many remakes have surfaced recently,most importantly a One Piece remake, a series that hasn’t even ended yet, it makes this idea all the more likely.
Studio Pierrot has undergone several changes in the last few years. They created a sub-studio named Pierrot Films to produce Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War, and have ceased the weekly format forBorutoandBlack Clover.They’re now clearly taking their work more seriously, inspired by the massive success ofDemon SlayerandJujutsu Kaisen.
A Bleach movie is also likely, and perhaps the most likely of the two scenarios. Anime movies have become increasingly more important since theDemon Slayer: Infinity Train film. TheEvangelionseries ended as movies.Jujutsu Kaisenhad its prequel adapted into a movie. And nowAttack on Titan: The Final Chaptersis getting a movie edit of the two final specials. ABleachmovie makes a lot of sense considering the current landscape.
There’s a lot of evidence for a remake or a movie. It’s only a matter of time for Studio Pierrot and Tite Kubo to fully announce what this new project is about.
